Stanley Peak Loop
This hike climbs to a peak, at just 1985 feet.
It has just over 1000 feet of gain.
The hike is 6.3 miles long, and is an advanced beginner level hike.
The trail is wide and well maintained.
Location
The trail is located within the 3,201 acre Daley Ranch, in Escondido, California. The ranch is managed as a conservation area by the city of Escondido.
The Daley Ranch
The ranch is rich in history, dating back to the first settlers in the area, and even further back was inhabited by the Kumeyaay, Luiseno, and other small tribes.
Evidence such as Metates, morteros, grinding slicks, and manos have been found here. There are plenty of yucca plants throughout the park, of which the fibers were used to make many useful items, including homes, called kilchas.
The willow found here, would be used for basket making, and storing food. Acorns from oaks were an important food source. Cactuses such as cholla, and prickly pear, were also utilized.
Native Plants
Some of the other plants and trees found in the Daley Ranch include:
- Wild Buckwheat
- Chia
- White Sage
- Lords Candle
- Coast Goldenbrush
- Laurel Sumac
- Mission Manzanita
- Toyon
- Chamise
- Coast Live Oak
- Ramona Lilac
- Sycamores
The Trailhead
The trail begins at the main entrance, which is a parking area at the end of La Honda Drive.
The hike begins at a fork in the road for Ranch House Rd. and Creek Crossing Trail.
You will continue up Ranch House to the left, until the trail merges with East Ridge Trail, after passing Middle Pond, and eventually the old Ranch Buildings about 1.1 miles in.
There is a picnic area there, and it’s a cool little spot to explore, if you enjoy history.
The earliest building dates back to 1869, when Edward Daley built a cabin here. The current ranch house was constructed in 1925 of redwood.
The ranch had many uses including being the backdrop of community fiestas, and as a horse ranch, cattle ranch, then as a dairy creamery with goods hauled to San Diego for sale by wagon.
The trail will appear to go sharply right uphill, rather than continue on down the flat trail.
You will then begin walking through a shaded oak forest briefly before making another right on Sage Trail, heading up towards the peak passing Mallard Lake.
You will eventually come to a crossroads, where you will head left at a large shady tree on Stanley Peak Trail.
It is here an expansive meadow can be found to your left, and eventually you will spot the old rusty water tank, letting you know you are almost to the summit.
The last stretch of climbing is rocky, and steep. You may find yourself slowing down a bit.
The view gets better and better, the further you climb. You will start to spot several overlooks, and giant boulders to take photos on.
Now you can really start to take in the views.
Once you make it to the peak, you will notice the marker to your left, and to your right a large granite slab, perfect for enjoying your lunch.
You can check out the surrounding high peaks of the Cleveland National Forest in the distance, such as Cuyamaca Peak. There are signs to explain which peaks you are seeing, which is helpful.
This is an advanced beginner hike for the most part. But you will feel like you bagged a peak nonetheless, because you have.
The Way Back
After hiking to the peak, you have the option to go back the way you came, or continue hiking in a loop back down Stanley Peak trail, but instead heading left on Sage Trail at the large oak tree.
Then you will continue on to West Ridge trail, and eventually reaching Creek Crossing, taking you on back to the parking area where you started.
This way back is much more sunny, and exposed than the way up.
When you reach the bench, you are almost done.
More on the history of the Daley Ranch can be found here.
Hydration Tips
Bring plenty of water, since there are just a few spots for shade breaks.
Bring at least 1 liter per 3 miles on a hot day.
Bring at least a 1/2 liter per 3 miles for a cooler day, where the temps remain under 65.
I brought 2 liters of water on this hike, which weighs just 4 lbs.
Get Your Electrolytes
- Nuun Tablets
- Energie C
- Fruit
- Energy beans
- Something Sweet and Salty
- An Energy Bar
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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